Steve Smith Sr. boasts an impressive NFL career, ranking eighth in all-time receiving yards with 14,731 after spending 16 seasons with the Carolina Panthers (2001-2013) and the Baltimore Ravens (2014-2016). He holds a unique distinction as one of only four players since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger to lead the NFL in catches, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns in a single season, achieving this feat in 2005 with 103 receptions, 1,563 receiving yards, and 12 receiving touchdowns. The other members of this receiving triple crown club since 1970 include Jerry Rice (1990), Sterling Sharpe (1992), and Cooper Kupp (2021).
Like many analysts, Smith hosts a podcast, “Cut To It.” During one episode, he referred to current Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy as a “JAG,” which stands for “just another guy.” Smith later attempted to apologize for this comment while on air for NFL Network’s “Thursday Night Football” pregame show before the Broncos faced the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.
However, according to Smith, Jeudy was not interested in accepting the apology. The 15th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft allegedly responded with, “Ninja, I don’t mess with you.” This exchange escalated as Jeudy repeated his comment, leading Smith to provide another apology that seemed more like an insult.
Jeudy walked past the sideline where Smith and the NFL Network’s pregame coverage team were stationed, engaging in a heated exchange.
The incident went viral, and during the following week, Jeudy shared his perspective on the situation after some contemplation.
Jeudy clarified, “I’m just going to go ahead and clear the air. This is my last time talking about it. If he had come to apologize to me, I would have understood that, and I would have listened to what he had to say. Where I’m from, if someone talks bad about you, you don’t go to them in person and try to act friendly to them like you ain’t just talk bad about him.”
Jeudy expressed that he holds no ill will towards Steve Smith, recognizing his accomplishments in football. He reiterated his stance and emphasized the importance of maintaining consistency in personal interactions, regardless of the circumstances.
Regarding his performance, the 24-year-old wide receiver has 17 catches for 208 receiving yards this season. Unfortunately, Jeudy was unable to have a standout performance against the Chiefs, concluding the game with just 14 receiving yards on three catches in the Broncos’ 19-8 loss.
